University of New Orleans graduate student Christopher Hicks has been selected for the 2024 National Board of Certified Counselors Minority Fellowship Program.

The program funds fewer than 100 master’s and doctoral students from around the U.S. each year. The fellowship includes an award ranging from $10,000-$20,000 and access to mentors and professional development.

“I am deeply moved to join a community of counselors who can both share and widen my perspectives,” Hicks said. “It is my sincere hope that this fellowship will ultimately help me to create a worthy counseling practice that is grounded in ethical integrity, empathy, social justice, creativity, and community building.”

Hicks is pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health and wants to serve the greater New Orleans area by developing a counseling practice for all individuals, with an emphasis on LGBTQ+ and people of color.

“I feel confident this fellowship would further this goal by empowering me to work with diverse clients, as well as cultivate a warm, affirming and inclusive professional setting in which to serve my community,” Hicks said.